The virus which has ripped through a large part of the Northern Territory’s watermelon industry has been found in a pumpkin crop near Katherine.

It’s a serious blow to both farmers and authorities who are trying to eradicate Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV).

It was first detected in Australia last month and can be hosted by any plants in the cucurbit family.

The Department of Primary Industry’s chief plant health manager, Stephen West, says the discovery does not mean all NT pumpkins will be destroyed.

“We have found the virus in a pumpkin crop,” he confirmed on the Country Hour today.

“That detection has occurred on a property that had watermelons that were also infected.

“We have now expanded the list of declared host plants as a precaution to ensure that we can contain the potential spread of this virus and that proved timely because we now have a confirmed infection in pumpkins.

“This declaration doesn’t mean all those crops are going to be wiped out.

“It’s just part of the legal process around declaring these are hosts and if we get a [positive tested] property then we can action on that straight away,” he said.

The total number of CGMMV infected properties now stands at ten across the greater Darwin rural area and Katherine region, and an additional quarantine area has now been declared in Marrakai.

The increased biosecurity measures on importing seeds is little comfort for those already affected by the virus.

Farmer John Etty from Katherine has already destroyed his entire watermelon crop and has now been told he can’t sell his pumpkins.

He says his pumpkin crop has been tested for the virus and the waiting period to get the results is stressful.

“I’m still watering a crop that maybe I can’t sell,” he said.

“I’m still paying wages to pick something that maybe can’t be sold.

“It’s very frustrating and tiring and you don’t know which way to go.”

The mayor of Katherine, Faye Miller, says the ongoing biosecurity issues has been tough on the community.

“It’s really devastating for this region,” she said.

“It’s even more devastating for those growers and my heart just goes out to them as it’s just a long haul for them.

“It’s just that flow-on effect to other businesses and suppliers that people don’t realise.”

The nation’s leading horticultural body, AUSVEG, is offering support to growers, and says it’s working with industry and authorities to minimise impacts on those affected farmers.

“AUSVEG has been liaising with representatives of its state member NT Farmers Association, and is offering the services of dedicated biosecurity staff to provide advice and ensure the impacts of the virus are minimised,” said AUSVEG’s Biosecurity Coordinator, Dr Jessica Lye.

“We are also eager to provide growers with as much information as possible about the incursion, and the new seed testing arrangements, with those wanting to know more asked to contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277.”

Today the NT Country Hour program was broadcast from Katherine, which you can hear here.